Philanthropy Connections in Chiang Mai
Several profiles of companies in Thailand under Dutch management were published in the series “Expected”. We made an exception to this in July 2015, when a profile of Philanthropy Connections in Chiang Mai appeared, a non-profit organization that works for people in vulnerable situations.
Read the story again at this link: www.thailandblog.nl/goede-doelen/philanthropy-connections-chiang-mai
The story has brought the organization a number of new donors (including myself) and it now also receives the support of a number of Dutch companies in Thailand. Our ambassador Karel Hartogh has also shown that he has a warm heart for Philanthropy Connections. Earlier this year, founder and director Sallo Polak was awarded a prize by the Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce as a token of recognition.
Catherine Keyl, member of the Board of the Foundation, wrote a column following this award ceremony, which you can read below:
“There he goes on his second-hand moped, the man who just received an award from the Dutch/Thai Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok. A prize because he is a go-getter, an idealist and a fighter.
Ten years ago he left the TV profession to help children in difficult circumstances in Thailand, Cambodia, Burma and Laos. Five years ago he started his own organization, Philanthropy Connections.
Because I am on the board of the Foundation, I often wondered in the beginning whether all this was ever going to work out. In a country where you don't speak the language and don't know anyone, how are you going to do that?
After five years, he installed chemical toilets in poverty-stricken villages in Cambodia, where there is no running water and no light, so that the incidence of disease immediately decreased. He arranged 140, thanks to international sponsors. Also many Dutch people, who remain generous, always willing to give for people who are less fortunate.
He took care of 7 libraries in villages where there was nothing to read. Children who needed a wheelchair were given one, and when it turned out that they could not go to school because it was too far away, a van came to transport the children, wheelchair and all.
He supported a home for orphans from Burma. Other children received extra tutoring.
In a refugee camp on the border of Thailand in the north, a roof collapsed. Because it was the rainy season, the children got wet and sick, so they could not go to school. The roof was repaired.
What is special about Philanthropy Connections?
They don't come up with projects. The request for help comes from the communities themselves. There are no expensive offices, no business-class flying directors, no fat cars for them to drive around in.
A few years ago I spoke to a girl in a village in Cambodia. She wanted to study, to help her people later. She was in high school at the time. Now she is studying finance and banking thanks to Sallo Polak, because that is the name of the director, and she is sure that she will support small entrepreneurs with loan applications. Stories like this make me so happy.”
I warmly recommend that you also become a donor. Look for information on the website www.philanthropyconnections.org and also see their Facebook page to follow the progress of their projects.